To begin a U visa application, victims must obtain a law enforcement certification Form I-918 Supplement B.
U Visa
U VISA
U visas are a form of immigration relief available to victims of certain qualifying crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
These visas provide temporary legal status and work authorization to victims and their qualifying family members. The application process involves obtaining certification of victimhood from law enforcement agencies, filing Form I-918 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and providing evidence of eligibility and cooperation with law enforcement. Some applicants may also request a waiver for one or more grounds of inadmissibility.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Obtain Certification
01
Victims must obtain a law enforcement certification (Form I-918, Supplement B) from a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency confirming their cooperation in investigating or prosecuting the qualifying crime.
Submit Form I-918 to the USCIS
02
The applicant submits Form I-918 to USCIS for adjudication, along with the law enforcement certification, supporting documentation, and any applicable waivers or exemptions.
Application & Evidence Review
03
USCIS reviews the application and supporting evidence to determine whether the victim meets the eligibility criteria for a U visa, which may include requesting additional evidence or scheduling an interview.
TYPICAL TIMELINE
Processing Times for U Visas
The processing time for U visa applications can be quite long. As of 2024, USCIS reports that 80% of their U visa applications are being adjudicated in 5 years. However, processing times may still vary depending on factors such as changes in USCIS processing times, the complexity of the case, and the availability of law enforcement certifications.
Requests for Evidence
Applicants may experience additional delays if USCIS issues Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or the law enforcement certification process takes longer than anticipated.
Approval & Permanent Residency
Once approved, U visa applicants may receive temporary legal status and work authorization, and they may eventually be eligible to apply for lawful permanent residency in the U.S. after meeting specific requirements.
Consult with an expert immigration lawyer to ensure successful approval.
Working with immigration and employment experts can open doors for additional opportunities. Our team’s extensive expertise allows us to combine legal and creative strategies to ensure successful immigration.
Additional Resources
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)